AKC Parent Club for the Puli

Search for:

Temperament Testing

Temperament is critical to how your Puli functions at home, at the show and out in the world. We often believe our Puli has a fantastic temperament, but few of us take the time to enter the temperament test. Only a small number of Pulis have earned the TT (Temperament Tested) title from the American Temperament Test Society (www.atts.org).

For members who have their eye on a Versatile Puli award, the TT title is one of the achievements that helps your Puli qualify.

“The ATTS Temperament Test focuses on and measures different aspects of temperament such as stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness as well as the dog’s instinct for protectiveness towards its handler and/or self-preservation in the face of a threat.

“The test simulates a casual walk through a park or neighborhood where everyday life situations are encountered. During this walk, the dog experiences visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. Neutral, friendly and threatening situations are encountered, calling into play the dog’s ability to distinguish between non-threatening situations and those calling for watchful and protective reactions.

“Dogs must be at least 18 months old to enter this test. The test takes about eight to 12 minutes to complete. The dog is on a loose six-foot (6′) lead. The handler is not allowed to talk to the dog, give commands, or give corrections.

“Failure on any part of the test is recognized when a dog shows:

Unprovoked aggression

Panic without recovery

Strong avoidance”

Visit the ATTS web site to learn more about the test and where and when it is offered.